General information

What is Flash Builder 4.6?

Adobe® Flash® Builder® 4.6 software is a professional-grade development tool for rapidly building expressive mobile, web, and desktop applications using Flex and the ActionScript® language. It includes support for intelligent coding, interactive step-though debugging, and visual design of user interface layout.

What's new in Flash Builder 4.6?

Flash Builder 4.6 adds new support for mobile application development and testing, enabling the use of a common codebase to build apps for Android™, iOS, and BlackBerry®, while sharing code from web applications. Additionally, significant tooling and performance improvements are included in Flash Builder 4.6 to accelerate development and testing while leading to higher quality applications. A majority of the features added in Flash Builder 4.6 will provide significant benefits to developers working with any version of the Flex framework, including Flex 3, Flex 4, and Flex 4.6. Upgrading to Flash Builder 4.6 does not mean you need to upgrade to Flex 4.6.

Also available is a new release of the open source Flex framework. Flex 4.6 adds the ability to build mobile applications using the Flex framework. Developers can now use the same Flex framework to build applications for web, mobile, and desktop, sharing common code across platforms and devices. This provides a significant time savings in cross-platform, cross-device applicationdevelopment. Also included in Flex 4.6 are new Spark components including Spark Datagrid, Form, and Image components, plus runtime shared library (RSL) and compiler performance improvements.

What are the new features in Flash Builder 4.6?

Develop mobile and multiscreen applications:

● Mobile application development for multiple mobile platforms:Build standalone applications targeted at one or more mobile platforms using new mobile support for ActionScript and Flex projects. Both design and code view now support mobile development, leveraging new mobile-ready components for an optimal touchscreen user experience and on-device performance.

● Previewing, debugging, and profiling of mobile apps:Test mobile applications on the desktop using a mobile Adobe AIR® runtime emulator, or test on a locally connected mobile device using a one-click process to package, deploy, and launch.

● Packaging and signing of mobile apps:Deploy, package, and sign required resources as a platform-specific installer file, for upload to a mobile application distribution site or store.

● Code templates:Take advantage of best-practice code templates, or snippets, for ActionScript, MXML, and CSS. Use the content-assist functionality to review available templates and insert them into code. Create custom code templates and import or export templates for sharing within or across teams.

● Metadata code completion:Enhance the content-assist functionality with metadata code completion, which provides suggestions for both Flex SDK and custom metadata tags. ActionScript proposal cycling allows for easy viewing of grouped collections of templates, variables, functions, classes, and so on when using content assist.

● Code generation:Use Quick Assist/Fix for access to variable renaming, variable manipulation, generation of getter/setters, generation of event handlers, organization of imports, and much more. Use the override/implements feature to define methods from a superclass or interface.

● Latest platform support:Benefit from new support for Eclipse™ 3.6 and for the standard Eclipse for Java™ distribution; the Cocoa version of Eclipse on Mac OS X; Flash Player 10.1, Adobe AIR 2.5, and Flex SDK 4.5, including the new Spark Datagrid, Form, and Image controls for web/desktop applications; plus runtime shared library (RSL) and compiler enhancements.

● Improved performance for large-application development:Speed up large Flex application development with a 65% reduction in the time required for refactoring operations on projects with a large number of dependent libraries, a 60% reduction in memory required to profile complex applications, and improved profiler responsiveness for complex applications.

Will Flash Builder 4.6 work with existing Flex 3 or Flex 4 applications?Can I use the new features in Flash Builder 4.6 with earlier versions of Flex?

Yes, you can take advantage of the majority of the great new features in Flash Builder 4.6 when writing and maintaining applications that were built using Flex 3 or Flex 4. As you begin to use the Spark component model, you can continue to use the MX components from previous generations of the Flex framework. Using Flash Builder 4.6, you will have the option to build applications using the Flex 3, 4, 4.5, or 4.6 version of the framework.

What is the difference between Flash Builder, Flash Professional, and Flex?

Flash Professional:Flash Professional is a timeline-based productivity tool for creating animated SWF and FLV content, used by creative professionals to add interactivity to websites. Flash Professional contains an ActionScripteditor for basic ActionScript editing; however, for advanced ActionScript editing, most ActionScript developers use Flash Builder. Custom Flex componentscan be created using Flash Professional and imported into Flash Builder.

Flex framework:Flex is the underlying open source framework used to createapplications. The Flex framework provides the declarative languages,application services, components, and data connectivity developers need torapidly build expressive mobile, web and desktop applications. You can extendand enhance Flex to suit your own needs and you can contribute to the evolutionof Flex through the Open Source Flex SDK project. Flex applications can bebuilt using only the Flex framework; however, most developers use Flash Builderto accelerate development of apps.

What is the Spark component model?

Spark is a new Flex component model that provides complete separation between appearance and functionality, enabling them to be changed independently without affecting each other. This new skinning and component architecture builds on top of the existing MX architecture, providing a much more efficient mechanism for developers and designers to work together to control the appearance of their Flex applications. Spark currently includes about 40 components and primitives, forming the foundation of next-generation components. Spark also enables projects to be shared by designers and developers using Flash Builder.

Which mobile platforms are supported in Flash Builder 4.6?

Using the new mobile development workflows included in Flash Builder 4.6, you can build and deploy mobile Flex and ActionScript applications for Android, Blackberry Tablet OS, iPhone, and iPad.

Can I run the same application on web, mobile, and desktop?

Because each platform and device type has different capabilities, screen size, and resolution, modifications will be required to support individual platforms. Using a common code library, you can make the necessary changes to your code, enabling approximately 70% of your code to be reused across application platforms and devices. Flash Builder 4.6 helps you port your applications across platforms by providing a detailed understanding of each platform's capabilities.

Can developers build Flex apps using only the open source Flex framework?

Yes, developers can use the Flex framework to develop applications without buying a tool from Adobe; however, they will be most productive when using the Flex framework with Flash Builder as there are many productivity features that speed up development, testing, and troubleshooting.

Why did Adobe change the name of Flex Builder to Flash Builder?

We changed the name of Flex Builder to reflect the expanded role that it plays in developing mobile, web, and desktop applications for the Flash Platform. While Flex developers will use Flash Builder to build and test Flex applications, ActionScript developers will use Flash Builder to write, edit, and test ActionScript in the creation of interactive content and applications for mobile devices. The Flex framework is also expanding its role in the Flash Platform, now providing the underlying framework for Flash Builder. Using Flash Builder, developers can code in ActionScript as well as MXML, so this name change more accurately reflects the tool's language options.

At the same time, we have renamed our Professional Edition so it is now Flash Builder 4.6 Premium Edition. We made the change to Premium so people would not get confused between Flash Professional and Flash Builder Professional.

How do I explain the value of Flex and Flash Builder to an IT manager, an LOB manager, or a CIO?

● The Flash Platform enables organizations to create more intuitive and engaging web applications for customers, partners, and employees, helping them better understand and use data and information to support key business activities, leading to increased levels of productivity, satisfaction, and effectiveness.

● Flex can be used to add incremental richness by embedding micro-applications or components within existing websites, or revolutionize your entire web experience with immersive, single-screen applications, all with a single investment.

● Flex applications leverage the Flash Platform runtimes, including Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR, already installed on more than 98% of all Internet-connected desktops.

● The Flash Platform is the leading RIA development platform, with a seven-year proven history of use in companies around the world. The world's leading software companies use Flex in their own products, demonstrating best-of-breed technology.

Purchasing options

This is a professional-grade development tool designed to help software developers rapidly build cross-platform RIAs and content using the open source Flex framework. Access web services, REST APIs, and other data sources.

Adobe Flash Builder 4.6 Premium Edition:

This edition has all the great features that Standard offers plus professional testing tools, including profilers, network monitoring, unit testing support, and command-line build, and includes a free license for Adobe ColdFusion® Builder™ software.

Adobe Flash Builder 4.5 for PHP Standard Edition:

The PHP Standard Edition includes all the great features from Flash Builder 4.6 Standard Edition plus an integrated copy of Zend Studio 8, a professional-grade PHP IDE, providing an optimized Flex/PHP development experience.

Adobe Flash Builder 4.5 for PHP Premium Edition:

The PHP Premium Edition includes all the great features from Flash Builder 4.6 Premium Edition plus an integrated copy of Zend Studio 8, along with professional testing tools, including profilers, network monitoring, unit testing support, and command-line build.

ColdFusion Builder is an Eclipse based IDE for ColdFusion application developers. It provides deep integration with Flash Builder, enabling rapid development of expressive web applications using Flex and Adobe ColdFusion software.

The Flex 4.6 framework is a free, open source framework of components. The framework is included when you buy Flash Builder, or you can download it for free from Adobe.com.

Who is eligible for Free-of-Charge (FOC) units of Flash Builder 4.6?

Customers who have a valid Upgrade Plan or who own Platinum Maintenance will receive an FOC product.

Is Flash Builder still free for education?

Yes, Flash Builder 4.6 Standard Edition is still free for education. Education users who want Flash Builder 4.6 Premium Edition can now purchase it for US$299/€299/¥35000. Education customers who already have a free copy of Flex Builder 3 or Flash Builder 4 Standard for education can request a free copy of Flash Builder 4.6.

Where can I purchase Flash Builder 4.6?

Flash Builder 4.6 will be available for purchase online from the Adobe Store, directly from Adobe Sales, and through partners and resellers. Flash Builder 4.6 is also available for volume licensing from Adobe's TLP, CLP, and FLP price lists.

Is Flash Builder 4.6 available as a trial?

Yes, Adobe provides a 60-day trial period for Flash Builder 4.6 during which the Premium Edition features are available for free. After 60 days from installation, the product will stop working. In special cases, people will have the ability to extend the trial by contacting Adobe Customer Service.

What support and upgrade options are available for Flash Builder 4.6?

● Adobe Enterprise Developer Program (AEDP) — Flex and Flash Builer support are available through this subscription-based program, which includes unlimited email-based support.

● Gold support is available through licensing and FLP, providing 24x7 support.

● Platinum support includes both 24x7 support and an Upgrade Plan.

● Upgrade Plan and Platinum support are available through all channels.

I already have Flash Builder 4.5. How do I get Flash Builder 4.6?

Existing Flash Builder 4.5 customers will not be prompted to upgrade automatically. Flash Builder 4.5 customers can download the trial version of Flash Builder 4.6 and use the same serial number that they used for Flash Builder 4.5.

Free Flash Builder Standard for education

Can education customers including students, faculty, and staff get Flash Builder for free?

Flash Builder 4.6 Standard Edition is free for all eligible education customers. Students, faculty, and staff can get serial numbers to activate downloadable trial versions by registering on the registration site. During registration, you will be prompted to upload a copy of your student, faculty ID, or employee ID, or you can upload a letter on institutional letterhead proving your current affiliation with an educational institution. Once validated, you will be emailed a free educational serial number for Flash Builder 4.6 Standard. It may take up to two weeks after the request for you to receive the serial numbers.

How do students, faculty, and staff prove eligibility?

One of the following documents must be uploaded during registration to prove eligibility:

● A valid student ID showing current enrollment

● A valid faculty ID showing current employment

● A valid employee ID showing current employment

● A letter on the school's letterhead stating that the individual is either a current student or a faculty member of the institution

A scanned copy of any of these documents should be uploaded on the Flex registration site. The scanned copy should be formatted as a GIF or PDF file.

How can I get multiple Flash Builder licenses for use in a student lab?

If you are a faculty or staff member and you want to get Flash Builder Standard Edition for multiple machines in your lab, you can request up to 30 serial numbers in a single request on the registration site. If you need more than 30 serial numbers, you should submit multiple requests.

Can education customers still purchase a boxed copy of Flash Builder 4.6 Standard for education?

No, Flash Builder 4.6 Standard Edition for education is no longer available as a boxed copy.

Is maintenance included with the free Flash Builder 4.6 Standard license?

No, Platinum Maintenance and Support or an Upgrade Plan is available only for purchase by customers who have purchased a full license of Flash Builder 4.6 Premium Edition. Education customers can purchase Flash Builder 4.6 Premium starting at US$299.

Is support included with my free Flash Builder 4.6 Standard license?

Complimentary installation support is available. Developer or Technical Support plans for issues beyond installation support are available for purchase. Additional information is available on the North America support or U.K. support page.

If I have purchased Flash Builder with Platinum maintenance and support, am I eligible to renew my support plan to continue to receive M&S benefits?

Yes. Your renewal terms allow you to continue to renew Platinum maintenance and support based on your initial purchase. Platinum support is not sold separately.

Flash Builder and other Adobe products

Flash Builder and ColdFusion Builder: How are they related and what is the value of using them together?

ColdFusion Builder is an Eclipse based IDE for ColdFusion development that is deeply integrated with Flash Builder 4.6. It allows developers to manage their entire development cycle from concept to production all in one easy-to-use tool. While Flash Builder is focused on the development of the user interface of an application, it can be used with ColdFusion Builder to code the server-side logic and build an application from client to server with integrated workflow between the two tools. This integrated workflow is available using either the Standard or Premium edition of Flash Builder. Flash Builder 4.6 Premium Edition includes a free copy of ColdFusion Builder. If you purchase ColdFusion Builder separately, it will include a free copy of Flash Builder Standard Edition.

Flash Builder and the Digital Enterprise Platform: How are they related and what is the value of using them together?

The Adobe Digital Enterprise Platform (ADEP) is an enterprise-scale composite content application platform for building customer experience management applications. Flash Builder 4.6 Premium ships with ADEP and is tightly integrated as the main client-side tool for application development. A number of Flash Builder plug-ins are provided to accelerate: development of composite applications; integration with the ADEP content repository and integration to other data sources such as databases. In addition, visual model-driven development plug-ins are provided to generate client and server-side application code, enabling rapid creation of applications which access and synchronization with back-end data systems. These tools are accessible directly from Flash Builder 4.6 as an embedded update site.

What is the difference between Flash Builder and Flash Professional?

Flash Professional is an authoring tool for designers and developers who want to create immersive experiences and video content across the multiscreen environment. It is used by software developers, but not as a core development tool.

Flash Builder is a development tool used by software developers to rapidly build cross-platform applications using the Flex framework, and is also used by interactive content developers to create interactive content using ActionScript.